By Katrina Hageman
It’s no coincidence that first-year students in the Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology take Microbiology 1150: Phage Discovery Lab as their very first class. The department intentionally schedules it this way so that students kick off their Iowa State adventure in an exploratory lab offering real-world opportunities to build their skillset and get an early introduction to research.
“We want our students to have a discovery-based research experience from the moment they first arrive on campus,” said Steven Harris, chair of the PPEM department. “Micro 1150 allows students to understand that their curriculum is not just about learning facts but also encompassing the discovery of new knowledge.”
In this course, which is open to majors beyond those in the PPEM department, students learn to safely isolate novel phage viruses from environmental samples. While doing this, students purify, characterize, isolate DNA, evaluate electron microscopy images and submit their findings to the national repository.
“Doing actual research in a lab for first-year students provides a low-pressure way to learn about the scientific process and how to troubleshoot setbacks and failed experiments,” said Nick Peters, instructor of Micro 1150 and associate professor in plant pathology, entomology and microbiology. “Students build lab notebook writing skills, engage with fellow students for ideas and suggestions, learn basic lab and sterile techniques to help establish a sense of self-identity as a researcher and seek out undergraduate research opportunities with members of the department.”
Peters has been teaching the course since it began in 2017. The course is offered during the fall semester and typically has 15-20 students enrolled.
“This lab took a very different approach than any other lab I have taken here at Iowa State, which was a refreshing change of pace,” said Emma Bastian, a senior in nutritional science. “It is cool that we are able to archive and name our unique samples to submit to the phage database in Pittsburgh, which is an important real-life application of our work.”
Over the years, the Micro 1150 course has significantly increased retention in STEM majors due to the hands-on experiences they gain from the beginning. It also helps students stand out among applicants for early career opportunities and gain a knowledge base for future lab courses.
“Seeing this class on a transcript lets professors and laboratories know that you know the fundamental skills needed in a lab, which makes you a more appealing applicant for lab positions or internship opportunities,” said Charlie Fisher, a sophomore in microbiology.
“While working independently this semester, I learned a lot about what I’m capable of and how to pick myself back up after an experiment fails,” said Benjamin Brehm-Stecher, a senior in microbiology. “I feel more prepared for employment as a research assistant now that I’ve had the chance to try my strengths in a less supervised environment.”